8-Day Sri Lanka Express Tour from Negombo: Kandy, Ella Area, Udawalawe National Park and Unawatuna | Small Group Tour

(5 Reviews)
Product Code: 191059

OVERVIEW

Highlights

    • 6 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 3 dinners included
    • Explore stunning beaches
    • Search for wildlife on a safari
    • Gain insight into the national heritage at a tea plantation
    • Indulge in the world-class flavours of Sri Lanka
    • Stay overnight at a local tea estate
    • Camp outside a national park
Tour Code
191059
Duration
8 day
Departure City
Negombo
End City
Unawatuna
Language
English

IS THIS TOUR FOR ME?

Group Size: Small group tour

Take an intimate and semi-private trip with a small group

Activity Level: Moderate

Designed for travelers in good health who are comfortable with light walking or hiking

Itinerary

Day 01
Negombo

Negombo

Hotel: Sea Horse Hotel or similar

Meal: B:Excluded L:Excluded D:Excluded

Arrive at any time.

There are no planned activities until an evening welcome meeting.

【Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Meeting - Meet Your CEO and Group】

Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.


Meal

  • B:Excluded
  • L:Excluded
  • D:Excluded
Day 02
Kandy

Negombo - Kandy

Hotel: Winter Villa kandy or similar

Meal: B:Included L:Included D:Excluded

Drive to Kandy, visiting a spice plantation en route. Enjoy lunch at local operator-supported Sthree Craft Shop and Café. Later, explore Temple of the Tooth.

【Spice Plantation Tour】

Visit the herbal centre of spices for an interactive session with students of Ayurveda. Learn all about the medicinal uses of various herbs used by the people of Sri Lanka in their massages and treatments.

【Your G for Good Moment: Lunch at Sthree Craft Shop and Café】

Stop for a delicious traditional Sri Lankan lunch prepared by Sthree Craft Shop and Café. This social enterprise offers opportunities for local women and youth living with disabilities, through handicraft and hospitality training.

【Temple of the Sacred Tooth Tour】

Enjoy a tour of the Temple of the Tooth, which houses an important relic – a tooth of Lord Buddha kept in a well-preserved golden casket. Learn about the importance of this site from local guides.


Meal

  • B:Included
  • L:Included
  • D:Excluded
Day 03
Kandy

Kandy

Hotel: Winter Villa kandy or similar

Meal: B:Included L:Excluded D:Excluded

Explore Kandy with a free day.

【Free Time】

​​​​​​​
Get out and explore more of Kandy.


Meal

  • B:Included
  • L:Excluded
  • D:Excluded
Day 04

Kandy - Ella Area

Hotel: Amba Estate or similar

Meal: B:Excluded L:Excluded D:Included

Travel by private vehicle to the historic town of Nuwara Eliya and enjoy some free time. Continue the journey to the rolling green valleys of the Ella area and spend 2 nights at the local operator-supported AMBA estate, an organic farm and guest house.

Livelihood opportunities in the valley of Bandarawela, Sri Lanka are limited for low income community members. Many rely on agricultural work, especially in the tea plantations, which can be arduous with little financial gain. Amba Estate came to the area with the purpose of promoting economic growth through their organic tea plantation, paying fair wages, sharing their profits with their workers, and creating opportunities for growth. Having established its place in the travel market, Amba is now ready to support community cooperatives as a means of better spreading the income of tourism throughout the valley.

Planeterra is working alongside Amba Estate by supporting the initial investment for the first community-led microenterprise that will work in partnership with Amba. Planeterra’s catalyst grant covers the equipment, training and setup costs for a group of six women to formally become a chutney co-operative. The chutney will be sold back to Amba Estate for travellers to consume, as well as sold to guests and in markets throughout Sri Lanka. Travellers began visiting Amba in July 2018. They now have the opportunity to eat the delicious chutneys, meet the women and see how it’s made!

【Your G for Good Moment: AMBA Estate】

Tucked into the hills of Ella Rock, Amba Estate is an organic tea plantation that provides the local community with meaningful employment opportunities and fair wages. During your two-night stay at Amba Estate, you'll learn about traditional hand-rolling techniques used in tea production along with preparing (and eating) delicious local food.


Meal

  • B:Excluded
  • L:Excluded
  • D:Included
Day 05

Ella Area

Hotel: Amba Estate or similar

Meal: B:Included L:Excluded D:Included

In the morning, enjoy a tour through the tea plantation and learn about one of the nation's most popular exports followed by a tea tasting. After enjoy free time to soak in the stunning scenery, opt to hike to Ella Rock, or visit Ella town by tuk tuk. This evening, enjoy a cooking demonstration of classic homestyle Sri Lankan dishes, a delicious mixture of savoury and sweet.

【Your G for Good Moment: AMBA Estate】

Tucked into the hills of Ella Rock, Amba Estate is an organic tea plantation that provides the local community with meaningful employment opportunities and fair wages. During your two-night stay at Amba Estate, you'll learn about traditional hand-rolling techniques used in tea production along with preparing (and eating) delicious local food.

【Tea Plantation Tour】

Learn about one of Sri Lanka’s most exported commodities with a visit to a local tea plantation. Meet a local tea expert who will enlighten you on how the leaves are harvested and processed. Enjoy a taste of pure Sri Lankan tea direct from the factory, and experience a cup of truly fresh tea from one of the world’s most renowned tea regions.

【Free Time】

Discover all Ella has to offer with a free afternoon.


Meal

  • B:Included
  • L:Excluded
  • D:Included
Day 06

Ella - Udawalawe National Park

Hotel: Big Game Camping Udawalawe or similar

Meal: B:Included L:Excluded D:Included

Depart Amba Estate in the morning after enjoying a delicious home cooked breakfast. Begin the journey to Udawalawe National Park and visit the Elephant Transit home before enjoying an afternoon wildlife safari through Udawalawe National Park. Afterwards, head to a tented camp by the lake on the boundary of National Park and relax with a BBQ dinner around the campfire.

【Udawalawe Reserve Safari】

Drive through this massive nature reserve and keep an eye out for the mighty Sri Lankan elephants – they live in abundance here and often wander along the road. Make several stops to observe these beautiful animals.


Meal

  • B:Included
  • L:Excluded
  • D:Included
Day 07
Unawatuna

Udawalawe National Park - Unawatuna

Hotel: Hotel J Unawatuna or similar

Meal: B:Included L:Excluded D:Excluded

After breakfast transfer from Udawalawe to Galle for a tour of the fort and city. Later, head to Unawatuna, on the south coast.

【Galle Fort and City Tour】

​​​​​​​
Visit the Galle Fort, a 16th-century fort first built by the Portuguese, and later occupied by the Dutch. The ramparts are still standing even after being battered by Mother Nature, including the 2004 tsunami. Explore more of the beautiful capital, taking in the Dutch architecture and lively atmosphere. The Dutch Hospital shopping complex is a great place to scoop up some souvenirs.


Meal

  • B:Included
  • L:Excluded
  • D:Excluded
Day 08
Unawatuna

Unawatuna

Meal: B:Included L:Excluded D:Excluded

Depart at any time.


Tips:
* The Colombo airport can be reached by taxi or there are train and bus connections from nearby Galle for much less. Your CEO can help you arrange a transfer.

Meal

  • B:Included
  • L:Excluded
  • D:Excluded
Please note that order of day-to-day itinerary is adjustable depending on tour start day.

Own Expenses

Day Activity Price Additional Information
D2 Kandyan Cultural Dance $3.00-5.00/Person
D3 Royal Botanical Gardens Visit $10.00/Person
  • All mandatory fees must be paid in cash to the tour guide and tickets cannot be pre-purchased separatedly.
  • Any optional activities you wish to join must be paid to your tour guide in cash.

WHAT'S INCLUDED

Package Includes

    • 7-night accommodations
    • Your G for Good Moment: Lunch at Sthree Craft Shop and Café, Kandy
    • Your G for Good Moment: AMBA Estate, Ella
    • Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Meeting - Meet Your CEO and Group
    • Spice plantation visit
    • Temple of the Tooth visit
    • Tea tasting
    • Cooking demonstration
    • Udawalawe National Park safari
    • Galle City and Fort tour
    • All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
    • Private vehicle, 4x4, local bus, walking
    • Group Leader: 1 CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout
    • 6 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 3 dinners (Allow USD120-160 for meals not included)

Package Excludes

    • Airfares or related transportation between your home and destination
    • All personal expenses including hotel room service and meals; however, you have the option to pay for meals that tour guide arranges
    • Optional tours (Items and prices may vary due to different seasons and are subject to the final confirmation made by tour guide when on tour.)
    • It is customary in Asia to tip service providers such as waiters, at approximately 10%, depending on the service. Tipping is expected - though not compulsory - and shows an expression of satisfaction with the people who have assisted you on your tour. Although it may not be customary to you, it is of considerable significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels. There are several times during the trip where there is opportunity to tip the local guides or drivers we use. You may do this individually, or your CEO will offer to collect the money and tip as a group. Recommendations for tipping drivers and local guides would range from USD1-2 per guest per day depending on the quality and length of the service; ask your CEO for specific recommendations based on the circumstances and culture. Also at the end of each trip if you felt your CEO did an outstanding job, tipping is appreciated. The amount is entirely a personal preference; however as a guideline USD20-30 per guest, per week can be used.

Cancellation Policy

Cancellation made within:

  • 0 - 31 Days Prior to Departure Date - Non-refundable
  • 32 - 61 Days Prior to Departure Date - 50% of total purchase amount can be refunded
  • 62 or More Days - 90% of total purchase amount can be refunded
Please Note:
• We are not responsible for any incidental expenses or consequential losses that the Client may have incurred as a result of the booking such as visas, vaccinations, non-refundable flights or rail, non refundable car parking or other fees, loss of earnings, or loss of enjoyment, etc. If the Client is offered a refund but requests an alternative tour of a higher value than that originally booked, then the Client must pay the difference in price.

Special Notes

    • Be prepared before you leave for your trip
      Please carefully read all of the info below as it's designed to help you have a smooth travel experience.
      * One of our core values is to lead with service. Our Global Connection Officers (or GCOs, the people who answer when you call us) and travel agent partners will do their very best to provide you with the latest information before your trip. There are, however, certain things that are the responsibility of the traveller.
      * All the travellers are responsible for arranging and obtaining the required entry documentation for the countries they intend to visit.
      * In an effort to prevent the spread of COVID-19, entry requirements and restrictions dictated by foreign governments can change frequently and irrespective of your intended date of travel. These requirements and restrictions may depend on different factors such as your country of residence, passport nationality, destination and transit points, as well as previous travel history. Given these considerations, it is the traveller’s responsibility to research and to understand the latest travel and health requirements and restrictions by destination which are most relevant to them at the time of travel and to the destination(s) they are planning to visit, as well as to keep themselves up to date.
      * Important considerations:
      - Don't forget to consider the latest travel and health requirements and restrictions by destination, for both directions of travel - not just for the start country of your tour.
      - Don't book your international flights before you do your own research, or before you talk to one of our GCOs or your travel agent, as you may be required to book post-nights before your return flight in order to accommodate COVID-19 testing.
      - If you visit multiple countries as part of your itinerary or on the way to your destination, there may be additional entry requirements. Keep this in consideration when verifying your documentation.
      - If you are travelling with minors (under the age of 18), additional documentation may be required to enter the country visited. Please contact the Embassy for more information.
    • Itinerary Disclaimer
      * While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable. The Trip Details document is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Aboard expedition trips visits to research stations depend on final permission.
      * Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.
    • Important Notes
      * Some culturally significant sights in Sri Lanka may not allow entry to people wearing hats or hijabs, or to those with covered faces. Examples of cultural sites with such restrictions may include, but are not limited to, the Sri Maha Bodhi Tree section or the Anuradhapura Cultural Site, the Dambulla Cave Temple and Temple of the Tooth in Kandy.
      * Displaying body art or wearing clothing that includes an image of the Buddha is illegal; please be culturally sensitive and respect the law and should you have any such tattoos, keep them covered at all times.
      * Traveling by road in Sri Lanka is certainly not what people are use to in Western countries. Many road ways are single lane, rules are not always followed, drivers appear to speed, do not stay in their lanes, and overtake in seemingly dangerous situations. Although their are some improvements in the works to the road infrastructure, there is a lot more to be done. As a result, some of the roads are poorly maintained, and this gets even more pronounced during and after the monsoon. As a result, travel time covering relatively short distances is very long in comparison to Western countries.
      * Please note that this tour combines with other tours. As such, the staff and some travel companions on your tour may have previously been traveling together with us, prior to Day 1 of your tour. Likewise, some staff and travel companions may be continuing together on another tour, after your trip concludes.
      * Please be aware that properties we stay in with only two stories may not have elevators installed and climbing the stairs with your luggage will be necessary.
    • Group Leader Description
      * All the group trips are accompanied by one of our Chief Experience Officers (CEO). The aim of the CEO is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. We also use local guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting - we think it's the best of both worlds.
    • What to Take
      * We recommend using a backpack for your convenience, or a medium-sized suitcase if you prefer. A daypack is also essential for carrying everyday items. Space is limited on transportation, so there is a limit of one main piece of luggage per person. You will be responsible for carrying your own luggage.
    • Laundry
      * Laundry facilities are offered by some of our hotels for a charge. There will be times when you may want to or have to do your own laundry so we suggest you bring non-polluting/biodegradable soap.
    • Every traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travellers may drink more than others while other travellers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip.
  • The time we mentioned in the itinerary is for reference only. Please refer to your guide on tour for the actual arrangement. The visiting order and duration might be changed according to actual and practical situation for better service.
  • This tour/activity is overseen by a select local operator in the region. Upon booking your tour or activity and after receiving confirmation, you will be issued an e-ticket detailing the local operator's name and contact information. If you require assistance finding a specific tour, please contact us for more information.

Pricing Info

Your reservation is always subject to confirmation by email, normally within one to two business days.

* Price for Single Occupancy applies when one person stays in one standard hotel room.
* Price for Double applies when two people stay in one standard hotel room respectively.
* Children under 12 years of age are not permitted on this tour.
* All travellers under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
* Child shares the same price as adult.
* Maximum room capacity: 2 people.

Reservation Info

    1.Immediately after submitting your reservation you will receive a Receipt of Reservation via email.
    2. Within one to two business days of submitting your reservation you will receive a status update email from us. If you need to book an airline ticket, we recommend that you do so after you receive a confirmation of your tour reservation from us.
    3. An E-Ticket will be sent to you via email as soon as details of your reservation are confirmed or your supporting information is received by us. We will provide you with all detailed information about your tour on the E-Ticket. Contact information for local tour provider will be included on E-Ticket for your convenience or re-confirmation purpose if re-confirmation is required.
    4. Simply print your E-Ticket and present it with your valid photo ID on the day of your activity to your tour guide. Please remember E-Ticket is your proof of purchase.

Terms and Conditions

    - Your purchase does not guarantee confirmation. Your purchase will initiate a reservation process. We will confirm with you via email within one to two business days.
    - Prices may vary due to availability. We reserve the right to make price adjustment without prior notice.
    - Please refer to our Standard Amendment, Cancellation and Refund Policy before you make reservation.
    - Please refer to Customer Agreement before you make reservation.
    - Local tour provider reserves the right to make modifications to tour arrangements including order of tour activities, hotel and its location if deemed necessary.

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    Conditional Cancellation
    This tour qualifies for: Free Cancellation 25 or more Days Prior to Departure
    • 16-24 Days Prior to Departure Date - 75% of total purchase amount can be refunded
    • 7-15 Days Prior to Departure Date - 50% of total purchase amount can be refunded
    • 6 Days Prior to Departure Date - Non-refundable
    All cancellations must be made directly with Tours4Fun, not with tour providers. The day mentioned above is based on the date we receive your signed Cancellation Request Form and travel service start date (departure date).
    • 0 - 31 Days Prior to Departure Date - Non-refundable
    • 32 - 61 Days Prior to Departure Date - 50% of total purchase amount can be refunded
    • 62 or More Days - 90% of total purchase amount can be refunded
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